Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a friendly and super-supportive group today!
MONDAY
5.30pm & 7pm, Westgate C.P School
Call Kelly 07792 603204
TUESDAY
5.30pm & 7pm,
New Bury Community Centre
Call Shani 01842 820001
WEDNESDAY
9.30am & 5.30pm
Westbury Community Centre
Recruiting now for this group. Please visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk for details.
3.30pm, 5pm & 6.30pm
New Green Centre - Thurston
Call Shani 01842 820001
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
THURSDAY
New EARLY BIRD session – 8am
9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm
Moreton Hall Community Centre
Call Kelly 07792 603204
FRIDAY 7.30am, 9.30am & 11am
Southgate Community Centre
Call Helen 07355 810381
SATURDAY
7am, 8.30am & 10am
Southgate Community Centre
Call Kelly 07792 603204
Join our amazing team and help change the lives of others.
Call Kelly on 07792 603204 for details or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk/become-a-consultant
Welcome to the December issue
It’s beginning to look a lot like... Christmas! There’s so much going on in and around Bury St Edmunds this December. Throughout the magazine, you’ll find there really is something for everyone. From carol concerts to disco’s, Christmas shops to Christmas karaoke parties, we’ve got you covered for the festive season.
We have a recipe on page 42 for a Mulled Pear and Cranberry Punch, the perfect Christmas cocktail if you’re entertaining.
Michelle at Crafty Foxes has the sweetest little make to keep the kids busy this month, mini bobble hats, find out more on page 48.
If you’re sending gifts or cards this year, you’ll need to check out the last posting dates on page 43. And the lovely staff at the Moreton Hall Post Office will be happy to help you!
Did you know that there is a pop up Repair Café in Bury St Edmunds? It runs every two months, and they recently had their most successful café to date with around 40 items and eight repairers. Find out more about this great initiative on page 56.
We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers, advertisers, contributors, delivery teams, and printers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
We’ll see you in 2025!
Gemma
Editor
www.amplifydesign.co.uk
jeremy@burystedmundsdirectories.co.uk
Jeremy
We offer free mental health support in Suffolk to people aged 16 or over. You can self-refer for talking therapy (without seeing your GP) and access a large range of online workshops by visiting us online or giving us a call.
Anxious, stressed, low or depressed? We’re here to help you wellbeingnands.co.uk
0300 123 1503
Planting Crocus bulbs for the Rotary’s ’Purple for Polio’ campaign’
Since World Polio Day last month, Bury Abbey Rotary Club has been raising both funds and awareness of the Rotary Foundation’s End Polio Now campaign.
Recently members of the club were at St Benedict’s School to speak at a school assembly. The School Council representatives from each tutor group in Years 7 and 8 then joined Rotary members to plant the bulbs.
These students have opted to represent the voice of their year group to bring about positive change in school. It is hoped that these students might join the school’s newly formed Interact group- a student leadership group, supported by Rotary. Their mission to bring about positive action in their school, local and global community.
“We are very fortunate to have a successful vaccination programme against polio in the UK but polio still affects children in certain parts of our world” said Rotarian Max Weatherby. “When the purple crocuses bloom in February they will provide some nice colour around the grounds and these students will remember why they planted them”
St Benedict’s Year 7 student Manuel Manoj said “I really enjoyed planting these flowers because soon all the dull areas of the school will be bright purple. I hope that everyone will take care of these wonderful buds”.
Find out more on the Rotary Foundation microsite: www.endpolio.org/
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Suffolk Cryotherapy offers the safe and effective removal of unwanted skin lesions using cryotherapy. Treatments are performed by a trained, experienced and insured Health Care Professional. Treatment is quick and minimally invasive without damage to the surrounding areas.
We offer clinic appointments at the Self Centre on Moreton Hall in Bury St Edmunds and home visits within the West Suffolk area.
Prices start at ￡30 and depend on the size of the lesion. Please call, text or email for a quote or to get booked in.
Lesions treated include:
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Diabetic Feet
For surgery appointments please call 01284 753563. Wednesday & Thursday appointments available. BURY PHYSIO, MAYNEWATER LANE, BURY ST EDMUNDS IP33 2AB
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Christmas at Moreton
Our incredibly busy end to 2024 is underway! There is something happening every week in December and we are sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Our events are open to all - membership is not required (but we do recommend it for some excellent discounts!)
Sports fans - we’ve got you covered too!
In addition to our usual program of Premier League fixtures on the big screen, we’re showing the Fury v Usyk fight on 21st Dec AND running our usual members promotion for televised Ipswich Town games on 3rd and 27th December (COYB!)
Hall Community Centre
Tickets for our New Years Eve party are also on sale behind the bar - always the BEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR and we have another fantastic live band to help us see in 2025.
We wish you all a fantastic festive season and hope to see you soon!
At the time of writing, tickets are still available for our Children’s Christmas parties - 2 hours of games, disco, gifts and a visit from the man himself!
Simply scan the QR code to buy your tickets online or call into the bar during opening hours. Our Christmas opening times can be found on our website & socials.
new year coffee morning
The Friends of Moreton Hall Library warmly invite Moreton Hall residents to a New Year Coffee Morning.
Monday 13th January 2025: 10am -12noon. At the Moreton Hall Community Centre.
Come and enjoy tea/coffee and some cake and help us support our local library.
If you are interested in joining the Friends of Moreton Hall Library and helping us make a difference to our library and local community and would like to find out more, then please come and meet us!
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May the season be one of joy, celebration, and warmth and the year to come filled with health and new blessings. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Andy, Jackie and everyone at Southgate Community Centre
Doors open 7pm
Eyes down in 2025 on Friday January 10th and February 7th
Exciting breaking news
The fantastic Marrakesh Band who for many years before the pandemic featured at our Valentines Ball spectaculars are organising a glittering Valentines Dance for Friday February 14th 2025. They rehearse regularly at the Community Centre, and the Southgate Community Partnership want to make the event affordable so tickets will be just £10 - more details next month or contact: marrakeshband@gmail.com
Contact us on 01284 703705 email: jackie@southgatechurch.org.uk Or visit the centre website: www.southgatecommunity.org.uk
Southgate Community Centre was filled with fun and laughter as it hosted the fourth Spooky Fun Day during the October half term. A hundred children enjoyed the sell out event with entertainer and magician Charlie Cheesecake once again in charge.
*Terms and conditions apply, see our website for
Saleitems
DECEMBER
List items FOR SALE free of charge to Moreton Hall and Southgate Residents, email: studio@burystedmundsdirectories.co.uk
CARRERA SARUNA JUNIOR
HYBRID BIKE-24"
Granddaughter’s bike, infrequently used. Good condition, full working order. A few small scratches on frame and one on handlebars, unmarked saddle. Suit 8-12 years, height 127cm-144cm. Alloy frame, 7-speed Shimano gears, V-brakes, 24 inch hybrid tyres, Approx. weight 10kg. £80
Tel: 07901 907464
GAF SLIDE PROJECTOR
MODEL 501
PROJECTOR SCREEN
£60 - Tel: 07398 166542
Do you have any nearly new or unused items that are of no use to you, other than creating unnecessary clutter? Why not try to recycle them and gather a few extra pounds in the process? Please include: Brief description of the item, the price and your telephone number.
PLEASE NOTE:
The publisher can take no responsibility for the claims made by sellers regarding the goods for sale, nor are they liable for any claim with regards to the item or any payment transactions between buyer & seller.
LARGE DOG CRATE
Never used 21inches wide x24inches high x30 inches long with a metal tray £20.
Tel: 01284 768859
DOLL & CLOTHING
£10. Tel: 07792 182114
HENRY
VACUUM, [PINK HETTY] WITH TOOLS.
Good Condition. £25
Tel: 01284 701402 Evening
Two events inspired this article’s headline. Firstly, a volunteer told me about their recent family trip to London, where their grandchildren spotted some homeless people. They were concerned and asked their grandparents: are they frightened? Where does a homeless person eat? How can we help? – They were amazed at the children’s empathy and asked the obvious questions, whereas many adults react very differently to the issue of homelessness in our streets. This brings me onto to mention the nation’s favourite marmalade-loving bear that has made an appearance in the arc shopping centre, Bury
St Edmunds, as part of a national trail ahead of the new film, Paddington in Peru. Paddington is homeless when he first travels from Peru to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station he meets the Brown family who offer him temporary shelter. From this story, we can think about what having a home means and understand the resources required for people sleeping rough and living in emergency accommodation in Bury St Edmunds town centre, our neighbours. Usually, only people with local connections to the area, the area they live in or last had a settled home – unless there’s a threat of violence in that district, are supported by the authorities in line with the duty of care.
Homelessness is often the result of multiple, complex crisis that come together causing a person’s life to fall apart. To rebuild a life takes more than accommodation. It takes compassionate volunteers and a guests lead approach with timely and non-bureaucratic support. We provide an umbrella of vital services housed in a safe place and signpost our guests to local agencies including the Citizens Advice, Turning Point and specialised charities.
Recently the church where we run our twice weekly sessions has upgraded the kitchen facilities. During the renovations, we shared sandwiches and snacks with our guests, the numbers of those in need did not decrease, serving between 45-50 guests, and everyone was grateful that we were able to stay open. We give out takeaway sandwich bags to people sleeping rough, with limited access to a meal.
Help us to alleviate homelessness together. You can make a difference with a monthly or one-time donation. Donate a regular gift in the form of a Direct Debit, raise funds at your Christmas party with colleagues, family and friends. Find out about the different ways you can support us, visit our website at burydropin.org
Thank you for another amazing year
As we say goodbye to 2024, we wanted to thank all our supporters for another fantastic year. Here are just a few of the highlights.
January saw us say thank you to Steve Trowles and the Stephen John salon for another wonderful Winter Wonderland Ball. Steve works closely with the charity to host Mama B’s cancer wellbeing day each month and the donation of £8,582.31 will be supporting these days and the Macmillan Unit.
February saw us provide a sensory unit to the paediatric emergency department thanks to the Infusions Group, the company behind the ICE group in Rougham. This £10,000 piece of equipment helps to provide a calm environment and helps to distract young patients needing care.
March was all about cushions! We provided breast feeding cushions for the transitional bay on the maternity unit to help new mums as they learnt to feed their babies. We also continued to support the Breast Care Cushion Group by providing the materials they need to make heart shaped cushions for women undergoing breast surgery.
April saw us launch our first Grow Your Dough Challenge. This event gave over 30 teams a £50 starter donation, thanks for sponsors Knights Lowe. The teams then fundraised from April to June to see who
could raise the most. Over £32,000 was raised allowing us to provide an activity assistant for our elderly patients on ward G4, many of whom have dementia.
May meant another thank you to the amazing Greyhound in Ixworth. Colin and Sue Pearce support us year upon year, providing extras for various areas of the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. This time it was the cardiac community team who benefited with the purchase of a portable ECG machine and several blood pressure monitors to help ensure patients could be treated at home.
June meant a busy day on the back roads of Suffolk as 65 vehicles took part
in a tractor rally from Whepstead. Kevin Mayes and Richard Ford did an amazing job and raised £6,300 for the Macmillan Unit here at the West Suffolk Hospital.
July is a good month to brave the shave as at least no woolly hats are required, although we suspect a bit of sun lotion wouldn’t go amiss! Nigel Thompson not only shaved his head but his beard AND his eyebrows to raise £1,300 to support his local Macmillan unit and to thank them for the care given to his friend.
August meant we welcomed Clare Marney to the Trust. We already support patients with a counsellor, but we saw relatives needed someone to talk to too. Clare is a family counsellor for the loved ones of those undergoing cancer treatment.
September allowed us to provide three life sized dolls to the critical skills team. These are used to not only teach staff but to teach paediatric life support to the community.
October marked Baby Loss Awareness week. We are so proud to support the bereavement midwives and your donations allow us to provide memory boxes to capture all those precious memories when someone loses a baby.
Huge thanks to Fred Power who raised almost £500 this year with his golf marathon in memory of his son James. Fred will continue his fundraising in 2025 which is just fantastic to allow us to continuing supporting parents as this most difficult time.
November saw us talking to donors about our WiSHing Well Appeal. This appeal is aimed at supporting everywhere that we enhance.
Our amazing donors are often happy for the money to go where it’s most needed. Putting it to our WiSHing Well Appeal means we can do just that and support all ages and aspects of care.
December see’s us continuing to enhance care as we fundraise to ensure every patient gets a Christmas present on the big day.
You can donate and help us achieve our goal by heading to our website, www. mywishcharity.co.uk, and our ‘Get Involved’ page.
We support you and your loved ones from before you are born all the way through until it’s time to say goodbye, but we couldn’t do it without your support. Thank you to everyone who has made a difference this year. Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.
What’s been happening at… HARDWICK Primary School
By Zara Cowling, Head of School & Andy Abbott, Governor
As we hurtle towards Christmas it is one of the busiest half terms in the school calendar, festive productions, trips to the Panto at the Theatre Royal and our second sponsored Santa Run... such a huge success last year. Add to this our two annual residentials for the Year 4’s to Burwell and Year 6 to Hilltop there is so much going on and to be proud of at our School.
Our montage this month features our Year 4 children back after a fantastic experience at Burwell College in Cambridgeshire where there was film making, outdoor challenges and the legendary Burwell Fox surprise. Well done to all the brilliant pupils and especially the Hardwick staff that gave up their time and family life to accompany the children, amazing group
leader Miss Weller-Poley, Mrs Whitehouse, Mrs Tarpley, Mrs Wiseman and Mrs Eley, without your commitment the experience would not be possible.
Finally we wish our whole Hardwick family the best and most fantastic Christmas and New Year, enjoy all your presents and special time with your families.
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Moreton Hall WI
We welcomed Jeannie Bloomfield as our speaker at our November meeting. Jeannie is a member of Walsham Le Willows WI and shared with us her personal story of domestic abuse.
As well as writing a book about her experiences Jeannie is the Patron of Bury St Edmunds Women’s Refuge. To mark their 50th Anniversary the Refuge is being renamed ‘RESTORE’ as this better reflec ts their work. Jeannie’s story is difficult to hear, but she is such a warm and positive person and her overriding message was one of hope.
Jeannie outlined some of her work campaigning and fundraising on behalf of victims of domestic abuse for nearly 50 years. She was accompanied by two members of the Restore team who told us about their work and the support that is offered to both male and female victims of abuse and their children, through the Domestic Abuse Outreach programmes which they run.
Moreton Hall WI meet at the Moreton Hall Community Centre on the first Wednesday of each month. Visitors are always welcome.
If you fancy joining the WI or coming to a taster meeting as a visitor, do get in touch.
Contact Alison on 01284 701433 or Annette on 01284 769407.
Latest news from
Festive Greetings to one and all
December is both a festive and giving month, along with spending time with family, friends and loved ones.
But do please bare a thought for those who maybe alone or not as able to join in festivities. Life is not always about grand gestures and a ‘hello’, a smile
along with, kindness, friendship and offers of support can often help to brighten what can be not so bright times for others.
THE RIGHT SORT OF EXERCISE…
At LSS’s 6th January meeting, Erica Dyson, Physiotherapist and Lymphoedema Practitioner based at Bury Physio, will be discussing with us how important exercise is in the daily maintenance of living with lymphoedema and lipoedema. Erica will also be demonstrating exercises that are safe to do, so a great way to kick start the New Year!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
LSS wishes all its members, Gemma at the Directory, to all readers and contributors and Katie, Centre Manager, at Moreton Hall Community Centre, a very happy Christmas and all good wishes for healthy, kind and prosperous 2025.
2025 LSS MEETINGS
6TH JANUARY, 3RD MARCH, 2ND JUNE, 4TH AUGUST, 6TH OCTOBER AND 1ST DECEMBER
7pm – 9pm in Room 1 at Moreton Hall Community Centre. There is no joining fee or referral needed, do come along and find out more about living with, and managing, Lymphoedema and Lipoedema in a relaxed and friendly setting, along with a cuppa and biscuit.
For further details on LSS and the West Suffolk Lymphoedema Service: LSS email: lssuffolk@gmail.com Facebook: LSS@lymphoedema
West Suffolk Lymphoedema Service: wslymphservice@wsh.nhs.uk T: 01284 712732
For further details on Lymphoedema and Lipoedema: British Lymphology Society website: www.thebls.com Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) website: www.lymphoedema.org Macmillan website: www.macmillan.org.uk
We are now in the midst of the festive season. A time for celebrations, gift giving and gatherings with friends and family.
We are all unique individuals and navigating your way round frequent social challenges with a long term condition and having the confidence too, can be challenging and especially if you are embracing a new normal. Having to be a selfmanager, a negative experience and not knowing anyone, in the same situation can leave you increasingly isolated and helpless. Navigating the social world means joining in with others and sharing your experiences
with them, an essential part of your journey to connecting with others. By doing this you develop the confidence and skills to do this consistently.
By joining a support group you will be socially interacting with like minded people who are friendly and welcoming. Somewhere you can feel comfortable and safe giving you a little respite and distraction from your pain. Take that step forward by reaching out to others in your position and being accepted as you are. Building friendships and keeping in touch during the bad times. Make an informed decision and come and join us in the new year.
A big thank you to you the reader and the directory team who publish these articles for all your support throughout the year. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
DIARY DATES
Positively Crafty — no session in January
Coffee Morning — Monday 6th January from 10.30am at The Dragonfly Hotel
CPSG Speaker Meeting — Thursday 16th
POSITIVELY CRAFTY
Creativity is one area that can bring many benefits to your health, your mood and social life. Crafting is not about perfection it is about achieving. See your feelings come to life and let crafting be your form of escape. Come and join in the fun and laughter and go home with a sense of achievement.
COCKFIELD CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
A warm and friendly festive showcase of bespoke and unique gifts. CPSG had a wonderful day and raised a few funds too.
January from 2pm-4pm – Subscriptions and AGM Meetings are held at Southgate Community Centre
Zoom—Art on Wednesday and Virtual Coffee Mornings on Saturday from 10am
info@chronicpainsupportgroup.co.uk
Or visit www.chronicpainsupportgroup.co.uk
No referral necessary to join the group.
LATEST NEWS
Moreton Hall Residents Association – AGM
Thank you to those who attended the meeting including Councillors, Committee & Guests to find out what is going on. We have 3 new members that will be working as part of the team.
Next MHRA meeting – Monday 13th January 2025 7.30pm at MHCC.
Controversial Bury St Edmunds cycle and walking route plans have been axed after backlash from residents. The council had wanted to make it ‘safer & easier’ for residents to walk and cycle to town by introducing measures to make the roads ‘less busy’. Suffolk County Council has listened to the residents and made the decision to cancel the consultation on these specific proposals for walking, wheeling and cycling scheme in Bury St Edmunds.
Moreton Hall Residents Association team says ‘We are pleased the council has made the sensible decision to cancel the consultation and go back to the drawing board. In just 2 weeks we had over 250 Moreton Hall residents
& employees, complete our survey to voice their concerns. The council now needs to ensure that residents and local groups like the MHRA are meaningfully involved and the local knowledge valued as the council draws up any future plans’.
Litter Bins
Once again requested due to the increase in rubbish around Eastern Relief Road. If anyone wishes to volunteer to litter pick please do let me know.
As chairman, I am happy to raise any points from residents raised at the meetings and with local councilllors. But you can also direct any questions you may have to your local councillors:
Hot pear cider, apple and cranberry juice plus sloe gin with cinnamon – the perfect winter cocktail!
Ingredients:
1 litre pear cider
1 litre pear (or cloudy apple) juice
1 litre cranberry juice
Good handful fresh or dried cranberries
150ml sloe gin
2 cinnamon sticks
2 vanilla pods, scored
Tangerine (optional)
Method:
Put all the ingredients into your biggest saucepan or casserole dish. When you’re ready to serve, heat to just below simmering point, then ladle into glasses.
Add some tangerine segments for that little extra zest!
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Craft Corner
Welcome to my crafty column! Every month I share a crafty activity for you to try at home. Check out my facebook page for more info www.facebook.com/thecraftyfoxes or visit www.thecraftyfoxes.co.uk
This months craft helps you celebrate Christmas and all things cosy, by making your own mini bobble hats. This is a fun inexpensive decoration, using just scissors, a toilet roll and any ball of wool.
Start by cutting the kitchen paper towel or toilet paper rolls into the size of the cuff you’d like on the hat. With a toilet paper roll, you should be able to get 5 pieces that are about 1" in height.
To cut the roll, I folded it just enough to cut.
Then cut the wool into 10" lengths probably around 30 pieces depending on thickness of your wool.
Grab the centre of a piece of wool and pull the loop through the ring, leaving the ends on the other side.
Grab the ends and pull them through the loop.
Pull until the knot is tight and you have a snug fit on the ring.
Continue with the wool pieces, going around the entire ring until it’s covered. If you run out of pieces, just cut some more
You’ll have a pretty funky hairdo on your ring by now.
Push the ends through the inside of the ring to the other side. Use your fingers to gently push all the knots into the inside of the ring as well.
Now there is a hat cuff and all the wool ends are sticking out the top.
Gather the ends and tie them tight with a piece of wool, about halfway to the ends.
Using sharp scissors, give the wool ends a trim to shape it into a pom pom. You can use your fingers to gently unravel the ends of the wool to create a fluffier pom pom.
Place a lint inside and it makes a great gift for your teacher or friends.
TOP TIP…
Try using different coloured wool to make a striped hat.
www.thecraftyfoxes.co.uk
Cricket Club BURY ST EDMUNDS
Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club had its AGM in November and further preparations are taking place for the 2025 cricket season, the cricket squares have benefited from the warm autumn with very good reseeding taking place.
Indoor practice and coaching sessions commence in the Victory Ground Sports Hall commencing on Sunday January 9th details are found on the club website www.bsecc.co.uk
There will be specific sessions for under 13 and under 15 age groups and alternative weeks for ladies and younger players. The indoor sessions provide an opportunity for anyone to come along and experience cricket even if you have never played the game.
The club is particularly aiming to develop more Ladies and Girls cricket the governing body the ECB has targeted all clubs to increase participation
for this group and Bury St Edmunds already have many ladies and girls but will welcome more taking part.
A huge boost to the club during last summer has been the superb new 3 lane outdoor nets which have increased participation not just for club members but the wider community. Probably does not feel much like cricket at this moment but we will soon be in 2025.
Find us at: The Victory Ground, Nowton Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 2BT
Bury St Edmunds win the Suffolk Cup T 20 competition
CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO HELP NATURE
Merry Christmas everyone and happy 2025. Over the last few years we have looked at ways to green up the traditional Christmas, we have investigated food, reducing waste, plastic or real trees and decorations. This year I thought we would concentrate on something a bit different. As you may be aware wildlife and biodiversity is disappearing at an alarming rate around the world so to help, we have picked a theme of helping birds, fish, animals and plants.
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Adopt an animal - go to www.wwf.org.uk. There are also Turtles, Giant pandas, Penguins, Elephants, Polar bears, Snow Leopards, Orangutans and Jaguars. You choose.
Do your loved ones have a favourite creature, or do they have a passion for trees? Hopefully you will find a present for someone you know amongst the mix of organisations below. Adopt a shark
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Help to look after trees and forests –www.woodlandtrust.org.uk BUY SOMEONE A MEMBERSHIP WITH THE WOODLAND TRUST
There’s no better way to support the Woodland Trust than by becoming a member. You’ll be joining a movement of more than 300,000 like-minded people and helping them to create healthy habitats for people and wildlife.
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To help birds contact www. rspb.org.uk for memberships
– here’s just one example
Family membership
Up to 2 adults + 5 kids
• Welcome pack on joining
• Regular magazines for adults and children
• Access to 170 reserves nationwide
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Gift a wildlife trust membership – go to www.wildlifetrusts.org they also offer animal adoption.
I hope you find something here to please at least one member of your family. We have so may beautiful places to explore in Suffolk, enjoy yourselves.
For an alternative gift. We also offer walks and talks at Larkwood lakes, West Stow. For groups of up to 10 for £10 each we offer a wonderful few hours walking around the nature reserve, discussing chalk streams, kingfishers, otters, fish, birds, insects, freshwater mussels, snakes, slow worms and then back to the clubhouse, for tea and coffee and some footage of local wildlife. Please contact me on tony@larkwoodlakes. co.uk to find out more.
Basking shark
Great White
Grey Heron
Little Egret
Pete Austin Electrician
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available at all services
Services Events
SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER
8.30am: Holy Communion
10.30am: Worship for Everyone
SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER
10.30am: Morning Worship
SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER
10.30am: Holy Communion
6.30pm: Evening Service *CAROL SERVICE*
SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER
10.30am: Morning Worship
TUESDAY 24TH DECEMBER
4pm: Cribtingle (Family fun) Combining Christingle & Crib Service
11.30pm: Midnight Mass
WEDS 25TH DECEMBER
9am: Holy Communion
10.30am: Christmas Day Service
SUNDAY 29TH DECEMBER
10.30am: Morning Worship
WEDNESDAY 4TH, 11TH, & 18TH DECEMBER
7:30pm: Prayer meeting on zoom
(Please remember to contact church office for zoom link – 01284 725391)
TUESDAY 17TH DECEMBER 10-11.30am: Coffee Club
THURSDAY 5TH, 12TH, & 19TH DECEMBER
10am-12pm – Decaf - for families/carers & living with dementia
10.30am-12pm – Stay and Play For parents/carers of babies to pre-school age having fun with toys and time to chat over a drink & biscuit.
www.ccmh.org.uk
www.facebook.com/ ChristChurchMoretonHall
Christ Church Moreton Hall, Lawson Place, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7EW
The Paradox of Time
Written by Samantha Reid, A member of Christ Church
I am currently sitting with my dog in a time warp. Last week we found out he has a mass that looks like an aggressive cancer, but until the biopsy confirms this, we are just waiting.
So, you see, in one way I am wishing the time away to establish what we are dealing with, but in another way, I really want time to stand still so I can enjoy every second with my dog.
We often find these time tests in our lives. Perhaps, before we go on holiday, or waiting for exam or job interview results, we want time to ‘fly’. The opposite can happen if we have won a race, or found the perfect place to enjoy a view, we just want to stay in that moment.
We are blessed each year that we have a day to remember when Jesus was born, a day when many of us are grateful to take time out and be with our family. A day that gives us the opportunity to reflect on what is important in our lives. Almost a day when time stands still, because for 1,000’s of years we have always kept 25th December for this celebration. But through different cultures and influences it is often seen as a day for giving gifts rather than receiving them.
Jesus was born in a stable, not just surrounded by people who loved him, but animals too. Over the centuries we have learned that living in harmony with animals, is far more rewarding than destroying the animals that
understand how nature works, and again and again we see the success of reintroducing animals into nature that needs their input to survive.
I am sad to say our beautiful pet dog had an aggressive cancer and he went to sleep with his family surrounding him with love. So when Christmas day arrives think of the most important gift you can give someone… LOVE and
Repair Café restoring memories
The Repair Café in Bury St Edmunds runs every two months, and we have recently had our most successful café with around 40 items and eight repairers.
We’ll have a look at pretty much anything and everything that would otherwise end up in landfill. “Bin it? No way” is our motto and even if we can’t repair it, we might be able to advise you as to who might help.
The café part is always popular too. Home-made cakes, coffee, tea and a chance to sit and chat and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
There are many reasons why our volunteers give up their time so selflessly. Among the top of these reasons is the satisfaction they get from figuring out what’s wrong with something and bringing it back to life. The joy that this resurrection can give to the owner of the oncebroken item is right up there on their list, too.
Last month’s café’s heartwarming story was of two brothers and an electronic quiz show game they remember playing as children in the 1980’s. Theirs is long gone, but one of the brothers bought the game on eBay as a surprise for the other, but it didn’t work.
They bought another one to see if they could make one good one out of two broken ones, but that proved too complicated for them. This is exactly the kind of challenge we love at the Repair Café.
Ben and Alastair got out their soldering irons and their multimeters and set to work. In pretty short order “Mr Gameshow” was talking, waving his microphone and flashing his (frankly alarming) teeth once more.
The two brothers (on the left in the photo) were delighted. Not only had we restored their childhood memory, but they also said it was going to make their Christmas as they could share the fun they had with their own families.
Pop in and see for yourself. Bring something for us to fix or just to get some advice. Enjoy the café or sit in and watch a repair. The next café is scheduled for the 11th January 11am - 3pm
To book a slot - fill in the online form at https://tally.so/r/3lyvqo or email repair.cafe.bse@gmail.com.
DRIVEWAYS, PAVING & FENCING
Local authority approved drop kerbs and access.
Tarmac driveways • Shingle • Tar • Block paving
All fencing • Patios and paths • Concrete pads
Footings • Drainage • Fully insured.
For a free quote, call Darren 01449 737164 or 07766 024137
YOUR LOCAL CHURCH IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE
The Greatest Rescue!
In Texas, in 1986, a toddler named Jessica McClure fell into a narrow well in her aunt’s garden. She was 18 months old. Jessica ended up being trapped, 22ft below ground.
The emergency services took immediate action and rushed to help her. But when they arrived, they didn’t stand on the surface and blame her for falling in and they didn’t just shout instructions about how she could free herself. Of course they didn’t!
Instead, they resolved to go down and rescue her. And so, they bored a parallel shaft next to the well and then made a horizontal tunnel across to her (Her rescuers knew where Jessica was because they could hear her singing ‘Winnie the Pooh’). Three decades on, Jessica’s rescue still amazes us, because her rescuers had to cut through 7 metres of solid rock to set her free. And they did so, despite the enormous cost.
The operation lasted for 58 hours, after which she was miraculously brought out alive!
Every Christmas, we celebrate another miracle: the birth of Jesus Christ. And we do so, because his birth is God coming down to rescue us. God saving us from having to live alone in a dark world and setting us free from the fear of an uncertain eternity. Jesus put it this way: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”
In 1989, they made a film about Jessica Maclure’s rescue. It was called ‘Everyone’s Baby’. Because at the time, her ordeal had captured the attention of the whole world. Reassuringly, the film revealed that Jessica had gone on to live a very normal life.
You could also describe Jesus as ‘Everyone’s Baby’ because his birth is still remembered across the world even today. However, unlike Jessica, Jesus didn’t go on to live a normal life. For at the age of 33, he surrendered himself to crucifixion and died for us. On the cross, Jesus dealt with the consequences of our sin, so that God can now forgive everyone who puts their faith in him. He enabled us to be reconciled to God and to begin a relationship with him that literally lasts for eternity. Which is why at Christmas, the world still remembers, the greatest ever rescue.
Rev. Mike Simm Minister of Southgate Church
Our Christmas Menu
Saturday 7th December: Southgate’s Got Christmas! Community event. 2-4pm. Fun, free activities for the whole family
Saturday 14th December: Shine Your Light 9.30am. Carol singing outside the Community Centre
Sunday 15th December: Carol Service 4pm. Followed by coffee and mince pies
Sunday 22nd December: Carols in the Macebearer Pub 6pm. Seasonal refreshments provided
Christmas Eve: Family Service 4pm. Short service for young families
Christmas Day: Family Service 10am. Short, informal service
December
Please note: all correct at time of going to press, but please check for updates directly with the venue.
Cinema
Wicked (PG)
Running time: 160 minutes
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
Theatre
Aladdin
Tuesday 26th Nov - Sunday 12th January
Welcome to The Grand Abanazer Hotel, the finest hotel in all of Arabia.
Bags too heavy? Call for Aladdin, the bellboy.
Clothes need a clean? Visit Washy in the laundry.
Want to meet the owner? Don’t! Abanazer is vile and vain and secretly longs to rule the land. If only he could find a way to make his every wish come true…
Join Aladdin and his friends this Christmas, as they try to defeat the hotelier from hell…
Find out more at: theatreroyal.org
Art
Bryan Trueman Exhibition
Tues 26 Nov 2024 - Sun 22 Dec 2024
Artist’s statement:
‘’All my work begins with a moment observed, suspended in my mind’s eye and later brought to fruition by the physical act of manipulating paint onto canvas or board and exploring all the tools, at my disposal, that facilitate that process. Some pieces don’t make it to the end and become a “worked” surface to begin the next piece…..it’s all a valid and an extremely motivating process that drives me on.”
Mon to Sat 9:30am - 4.30pm, Sun 10.30am - 4pm FREE entry.
Find out more at: www.theapex.co.uk
‘A Magical Christmas Night’ – Saturday 14th December 2024
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Interval: Seasonal Refreshments, Location: St Mary’s Church, Bury St Edmunds Tickets: £15:00 / £10:00 (£5 under 16) from the Theatre Royal Box Office https://theatreroyal.org/events/bury-st-edmunds-concert-band-a-magical-christmas-night/
Bury St Edmunds Concert Band to bring Christmas magic to St Mary’s Church with a spectacular performance of Raymond Briggs’ “The Snowman”.
Get ready to embrace the festive spirit as the Bury St Edmunds Concert Band presents a magical evening of music and storytelling at St Mary’s Church on Saturday 14th December. Join them for an unforgettable evening filled with wonderful music and spellbinding storytelling. The concert will not only showcase the Band’s remarkable talent, following their sellout Last Night of the Proms Concert in September, but will also transport audiences into the heartwarming world of “The Snowman,” complete with a captivating narration.
Rob Wicks, Director of Music, says: “This enchanting event will feature a live performance and narration of Raymond Briggs’ beloved classic, “The Snowman,” and we are delighted to be joined by one of St Mary’s talented choristers for a magical solo”.
Adding to the holiday magic, the Bury St Edmunds Concert Band will collaborate with the Hazelwood Dance Studios and Eden Theatre Arts who will bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless “Nutcracker Suite” to life. Audiences can expect to see dancers performing in the aisles to the Miniature Overture and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, creating a truly immersive experience.
POSTCARD CLUB BURY ST EDMUNDS
This year, we have had some excellent internal and external speakers on a diverse range of postcard related topics.
In addition to David Marks’ talk on WW1 Comic Postcard Artists – McGill & Spurgin, we had Liz Bruce’s talk on Great Holland’s Village History, The PH Topic Story, Preston – Echoes Through
Time by Linda Barton, and Mark Routh’s FAGA Postcards, and we even managed a trip to the Bury Archives.
We also welcomed a few new members into our friendly group. Make 2025 the year that you come and join us!
As we say farewell to 2024 and look forward to another year of entertaining speakers in 2025, we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
THE 19TH HOLE
BY ADAM TRETT, PGA PROFESSIONAL GOLF COACH
Email: adamtrettpga@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: Adam Trett - ADT Golf Coaching
Welcome back to the 19th Hole… It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
If you’re reading this thinking you still have not got that gift for the golfer in your life, don’t worry, I have listed a few ideas below.
Golf Winter Mitts
Winter mittens are the best way to keep your hands warm throughout the winter months. Their fleece lining offers comfort and warmth, allowing the golfer to warm their hands between shots helping them to be able to control the club better when playing.
Distance Measuring Device
These can be used by golfers of all abilities and have the ability to shave strokes off your score. There are many different options from phone apps, watches, laser range finders and many more to suit different budgets.
Golf Lesson Voucher
Are you the person that hears about every bad shot the golfer in your life hits when they return from the course? Why not allow me to help you hear a different story… Lesson vouchers can be purchased in any different time lengths or packages of lessons. Please contact me for more details –adamtrettpga@hotmail.co.uk.
COACHES CORNER – MASTER THE DOWNHILL CHIP
We have all done it… hit a great shot into the green only to see it has ended up on a downhill lie leaving you with a tricky down hill chip shot.
This month I am going to give a few points that can help you combat this type of shot next time you face it.
SET UP – I see a lot of people try and play this shot from bad set up positions. The set up we are looking for here is for you to match the slope on which you are stood.
This set up will help you make ground contact in the same position as from a flat lie.
LANDING AREA – This will change in every situation, first thing to assess is the lie and what club you feel happy using from the lie you have as this may change your landing spot and in turn club selection.
If you want to land it close to you and run the ball to the flag then a lower lofted club would be the way forward however, if your landing spot is further away and you don’t need the ball roll out as far, a more lofted club will be needed.
Remember that from a downhill
I hope these few points help you combat these lies and get some better results. If you need any help with this or any other aspect of your game, then please contact me on the details below.
That’s just leaves me to say have a GREAT CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR and I will see you again in 2025!
SHOT!
lie you will take loft off the club and this may change how the ball flight looks and reacts when hitting the green.
PRACTICE LIKE YOU WILL PLAY – These are specialist shots and not ones that you will have many of during your round. I would always recommend that you set up on a similar position and rehearse the shot. CONTACT is everything so after making these set up adjustments and after making a few practice swings to see where you are hitting the ground. Then adjust ball position if needed. Then when you’re happy, set in with confidence and hit a great chip shot!
AFRO- CARIBBEAN ONE STOP SHOP
FRIDAY TAKEAWAY
£17.99 (Collection Only)
Choose
Explore our diverse range of Afro-Caribbean products in store. From authentic spices to fresh meat, discover the essence of these beautiful cultures right on your doorstep.
BATCH
COOKING
Experience the convenience of our Afro-Caribbean batch cooking!
Delight in delicious, pre-prepared meals from our chef, that simply require reheating.
Jollof Rice & Chicken
Spicy tomato and rice-based dish with Halal chicken
Goat Fried Rice
Spicy variation of fried rice with juicy cuts of Halal goat meat. Egusi
A soup popular in West Africa.
Efo Riro
A native vegetable soup of the Yoruba people.
Caribbean Goat/Chicken Curry Curry dish prepared with Halal meat.
